West Lancashire Borough Council has awarded Forrest, the Preston-headquartered regeneration-specialist, a £4 million contract to replace the windows and doors of 1,200 of its homes.

The scheme – which will mean every West Lancashire council house will be fitted with UPVC double glazed windows – is due to start in June with completion expected by Christmas 2012.

The windows and doors project is the first stage of the Council’s £60 million investment programme in its homes over the next five years.

Forrest is creating seven new apprenticeship and trainee roles and is looking to appoint several experienced window and door fitters to fulfil the contract.

-- Advertisement --

The social housing contractor works across the North of England and undertakes planned maintenance programmes in approximately 21,500 homes every year including roofing and kitchen and bathroom installations.

Councillor Adrian Owens, portfolio holder for housing (finance), regeneration and estates, said: "The decision to invest in replacement windows and doors was made in agreement with tenants and was identified as a priority for improvement following a comprehensive stock survey.

"This scheme will benefit the tenants greatly as not only will it help make their homes more comfortable and smart it may reduce their heating bills.

"The contracted works will also provide employment opportunities for local people, including apprenticeship and trainee vacancies."

Lee McCarren, chief executive at Forrest, said: "We've been working with West Lancashire Borough Council for many years and their commitment to regeneration projects like this is exemplary.

"Our operatives work in tenant homes every day and have seen first-hand the positive effect these home improvement schemes can have on communities."

(CD)